Ramon Magsaysay

Simplicity and humility are the words that personify Ramon Magsaysay Sr., the seventh
president of the Philippines. He was one of the outstanding leaders of his time by restoring
peace, law, and order during the Philippine crisis in 1950. Moreover, he was referred to as the
“man of the masses. “ He was indeed dignified and exemplary.
Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay was born in Iba, Zambales, on August 31, 1907, to Exequiel
Magsaysay, a blacksmith, and Perfecta del Fierro, a schoolteacher. He was of a mixed
descendant of Tagalog and Ilokano. Ramon was married to Luz Banzon on June 16, 1933, and
they had three children: Teresita, Milagros, and Ramon Jr.
Magsaysay spent his grade school life somewhere in Castillejos and his high school life at
Zambales Academy. He entered the University of the Philippines in 1972. Later, he transferred
to the Institute of Commerce at Jose Rizal College (1928 to 1932). He received a bachelor’s
degree in Commerce. He then worked as an automobile mechanic for the Florida bus company
and became shop superintendent.
When World War II broke out, he joined the motor pool of the #1 st Infantry Division of
the Phil. Army. When Bataan surrendered to the Japanese troops in 1942, Magsaysay escaped
to the hills evading Japanese arrest. Then, he formed the Western Luzon Guerrilla Forces,
where he was commissioned, captain. He was instrumental in clearing the Zambales coast of
the Japanese before the landing of American liberation forces on January 29, 1945. After the
war, he was appointed by the US Army as military governor of Zambales on February 14, 1945.
He became Secretary of defense, then president of the Philippines.
During his term as a president, he made Malacañang a” house of the people,” opening
its gates to the people. His administration is often cited as Philippines “Golden Years” that is
why he was referred to as the “Champion of the Masses” and “Defender of Democracy.” He
maintained a reputation for incorruptibility throughout his presidency. Unfortunately, Ramon
Magsaysay’s term sadly ended on March 17, 1957, when his presidential plane crashed on Mt.
Manunggal in Cebu, killing Magsaysay and 24 other passengers.
The Philippines is fortunate to have a leader liked Magsaysay. The world is more
prosperous and better because Magsaysay had lived. Filipinos are blessed. His legacy will
continue to inspire and motivates future young leaders, exemplifying the highest type of
leadership.